Institutions not individuals matter
After a successful Vote of No Confidence against Imran Khan late night on 09 April 2022, the lines separating political forces in Pakistan have been clearly drawn.
Currently, there appear to be only two political forces in Pakistan; Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of Imran Khan on one side, and the rest, all major and minor political and religious parties on the other side.
After this development, the role of PTI has assumed greater significance as the only opposition party to challenge the coalition government headed by Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML N).
A cricketer turned politician, may appear to have failed as a politician, but his contribution as a leader, he himself may not be aware of, outweighs his services as a cricketer and a philanthropist.
The entire democratic process in Pakistan would be a mockery If there weren’t PTI today, because the existence of an opposition is an essential prerequisite for the functioning of democracy in a country.
I neither idealise nor hero worship Imran Khan as an individual or a politician, but I consider PTI, founded by him in 1996, our valuable national asset and institution that occupies a crucial position to determine the future of current parliamentary political system in Pakistan.
In order to strengthen PTI, Imran Khan, besides changing his leadership style, needs to reorganize his party on modern lines.
PTI requires complete overhauling to remove black spots from its face. To achieve this goal, the party must shed the dead load of the so-called electable indiscriminately for long term gains.
Despite his lacklustre performance as a politician, Imran Khan will be remembered more as the founder of PTI than as a cricketer and a philanthropist.
Realising that institutions matter much more than the individuals, he must incorporate well orchestrated procedure of succession and election of the party head in PTI, like the one in vogue in Jamat-e-Islami.
He is well aware that no one is immortal or indispensable. When, after Pakistan’s defeat in the 1987 World Cup Semi Final played at the the Qadafi Stadium Lahore, he resigned as the Captain of Pakistan Cricket Team, Late General Muhammad Zia ul Haq asked him to withdraw his resignation, telling him that in the interest of one’s nation and institution, one has to “rise above himself”, while talking at a reception arrangerd at the President’s House in honour of Pakistan Cricket Team.
After President’s speech, Imran Khan, while thanking him, announced to withdraw his resignation.
In my reckoning, Pakistan’s current cricket team is the all time best team without an Imran Khan or other big names, which proves that institutions, not individuals, matter.
Imran Khan and his supporters also need to know that to serve the nation, and to safeguard our national interests, PTI doesn’t necessarily have to be in power.
He should try to reform his leadership style in the light of internationally acceptable political and social norms.
After observing his disappointing conduct on the container at D-Chowk for more than four months I had become completely disillusioned of him, as a mature and graceful person, yet I voted for him in 2018 elections solely for the reason I considered him financially incorruptible.
I wrote an article on, “Imran Khan as an All Rounder and a Politician”, which was published in the Pakistan Observer.
I also shared it on Facebook, hoping it might reach, if not Imran Khan, one of his dozens of immature and uncouth political advisors.
However, the conduct and language of Imran Khan and his advisors, after the publication of my article and thousands of observations made by the media persons, reflect that they don’t understand the difference between “Majlisi” and “Ghair Majlisi” diction and manners.
He doesn’t seem understand that in addition to financial “incorruptiblility”, integrity grace are equally essential ingredients of being considered a man of character.
If a person’s deeds are contrary to his claims, he doesn’t qualify to be called a man of character.
His narrative to make Pakistan “Riast-e-Madinah”, reflects that he is neither aware of the Quaid’s vision of Pakistan as a moderate Muslim state, nor of the catastrophic consequences of attempting to make Pakistan a religious state in the1980s.
PTI has virtually replaced the Pakistan People’s Party, due to the flawed policies of its leadership after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, as the voice of the people of Pakistan, having its roots in all parts of the country, must continue to exist as a vibrant and dynamic entity, irrespective of who it is headed by.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
